Summer Fun!

Well, my summer at the library(ies) is coming on swimmingly so far. Every day is new, different, and never dull. I feel really lucky to be able to compare two libraries within the same system: a main library and a branch. The communities that support these libraries are different in so many ways, from the questions they ask to what they like to read/listen to/watch. Ellettsville branch is supported by families and regulars alike; it is a place of familiar faces. Not that the main library doesn't have its regulars because it does, but maybe because the space is smaller at the branch they seem closer and more in your face-usually not in a bad way.
This Tuesday was the Family Picnic at Flatwoods Park in Ellettsville. The park is really nice and out of the way, and there is a playground in the middle, a few shelters, and a walking path that borders the park itself. Our event was great, the weather held out for a warm and breezy day, and around 200 people attended! I was the meet-and-greet, explaining the events/sponsors to the families, and talking to kids and volunteers alike. It was pretty amazing to see how the community came together to make it all possible. Bloomington Hospital provided food, with really nutritious offerings like humus, veggies, chicken salad, fruit, and dark chocolate (yum!). The newly formed Youth Center now serving Ellettsville was there doing face painting for the kids. Super popular, of course. The Family Resource Center provided one free book per family, of which there were some great offerings. The library had a crafts table where assorted beans, macaroni, etc. could be glued to drawings of different animals. The kids loved it and the clean-up was nice and easy. The Parks Department of Monroe County also provided basketballs, soccer balls, and a tug of war rope. It seemed like everyone had a lot of fun and I was really glad I could take part. I am seeing more and more how libraries can become involved in the community, and even help to foster the spirit of community itself: Reminding people to share, take their time, respect each other, eat together, do good things, etc. I certainly don't think that librarians still exist in an ivory tower, positioned to school the world on the must-reads, but I do think we have a certain responsibility to set an example for others. That obviously goes as far as the community itself will allow as tax dollars make up a considerable amount of the budget, see. By encouraging people to do the right things in life and beyond, and showing them some of the rewards of doing so I think we can hopefully, one person at a time, become better as citizens of a world that greatly needs our help and attention.